Clean or Replace Air Conditioner Filter

What is the purpose of an air conditioner filter?

The filter on your air conditioner serves a dual-purpose which is to keep the units components and the air clean. If an air conditioner filter is not replaced or cleaned on a regular basis the effectiveness of your air unit will be reduced costly you more in energy bills. The primary reason is that an air conditioning unit what is not operating at an optimal level will require more energy to function at the temperature level you have set. In addition, a poorly maintained filter will diminish the overall lifespan of your equipment and you run the possibility of having to replace your unit before if it necessary cost you even more. Taking the time to periodically maintain your air conditioner filter will go a long way to not only helping your wallet but also the environment.

When you waste energy you are causing more pollution from the actual process it takes to produce the energy. Here in South Carolina, the top energy source is coal and petroleum which have been shown to not only pollute the air but also add greenhouse gas emissions to our environment. This is one of the main causes of global warming that you have heard so much about.

Benefit Your Wallet

When a filter is clogged it takes more energy trying to blow the air through the filter which is wasting that energy. The process of cooling your home is slowed down by making it harder for your unit to reach your desired air temperature. If you have heard your air conditioner running for long periods of time, it is good indicator that your air filters need to be changed or cleaned.

Benefits To Your Health

The purpose of the filter is to accumulate dust, mold, pollen and other air contaminants before they get into your home causing a health risk to your family. A dirty filter will allow these bacteria into your home aggravating your allergies and can even cause disease. The American Lung Association has stated that breathing in these pollutants can cause a decrease in lung function and even cancer. If you or a family member has been coughing a lot, this may be an indication that you need to take a look at your air conditioner filters.

Air Conditioner Filter Costs

In most instances a disposable filter will be relatively inexpensive and as we have stated, regular replacement will actually save you money. If you have a permanent filter, you will want to clean it on a regular basis by spraying it out with a hose or using a vacuum or shop vac to sweep out the filter.

The actual time to either clean or replace a filter is only about 5 – 10 minutes. With a disposable filter you have a little more time to make that trip to the hardware store. You may want to consider buying filters in bulk so you always have a filter handy when it is time to make the change.

By taking a just a few minutes every other month or so, you can keep your air conditioner running a peak performance. You will also want to read our article on cleaning your air conditioning unit to improve performance.
Grand Strand Heating And Cooling is here to help you will all your air conditioning or HVAC needs. We will even clean your air conditioner filter. We offer 24 hour emergency service – no need to be uncomfortable this summer!